Mutual Masters

The trading area of Yunhua Sect had been bustling with activity ever since their arrival.

As the foremost sect in Jiang Country, Yunhua Sect presented an array of goods for trade, each item of unparalleled quality.

Their offerings were comprehensive, encompassing spirit beasts, magical artifacts, elixirs, cultivation techniques, and a wide variety of materials.

Even Yan Yun’s poisons were among the wares.

Truthfully, Yan Yun’s poisons typically held little value in such a setting, as the formidable cultivators gathered here had no need or inclination to practice poison cultivation techniques.

However, for this particular trade fair, Yan Yun had specially concocted a fresh batch of novel poisons for the Yunhua Sect.

This, however, was merely a prelude.

In due course, specially crafted magical artifacts for cultivators would also emerge, a concept Yan Yun was already diligently contemplating, though its realization would require additional time.

“This venture is truly thriving,” Yan Yun remarked, her gaze sweeping across the bustling, crowded trading area.

Yunyan and his companions chuckled softly.

“Indeed,” Yunyan affirmed. “Since you’ve graced us with your presence, young lass, it’s quite opportune.

Several esteemed seniors have expressed a desire to meet you, and I shall seize this chance to introduce you properly.”

Intrigued, Yan Yun followed Yunyan to a section of the trading area dedicated solely to elixirs and a diverse assortment of rare medicinal herbs.

This particular section served as the trading grounds for Medicine Valley.

“Fellow Daoist Yao,” Yunyan announced upon their arrival, his voice carrying into the interior, “Yan Yun, whom you have long wished to meet, has arrived.”

Upon hearing Yunyan’s summons, Yao Xiangzi, with a sudden whoosh, darted from an unseen location, materializing directly before Yan Yun.

“You, young lass, are you truly Yan Yun, the successor to the Heavenly Poison Maiden?”

No sooner had Yao Xiangzi appeared than he posed the question, his gaze alight with curiosity.

Yunyan promptly offered an introduction to Yao Xiangzi, clarifying his esteemed position.

“Allow me to introduce you,” Yunyan began, “This is Yao Xiangzi, the Valley Master of Medicine Valley, the preeminent sect of medicinal cultivation in all of Jiang Country.”

Having spent the last three years familiarizing herself with the cultivation world of Jiang Country, Yan Yun was, of course, intimately acquainted with the illustrious reputation of Medicine Valley.

“Ah, junior Yan Yun offers her respects to Senior,” Yan Yun promptly stated, performing a respectful bow.

Jiang Yao and Su Muyu likewise hastened to offer their bows.

“Haha, no need for such formality,” Yao Xiangzi chuckled, drawing Yan Yun slightly aside to whisper his inquiry.

“I’ve heard, young lass, that you were once a man, compelled to undergo a gender transformation due to your cultivation of the Heavenly Poison Sutra.

What an astonishing medical marvel!

Furthermore, your poisons employ a technique so profound that even I find myself unable to unravel them.

Would you be willing to enlighten this old man on your methods?”

Yan Yun, of course, could not divulge such secrets, and a look of profound awkwardness settled upon her face.

Observing Yan Yun’s evident discomfort, Yao Xiangzi, rather than pressing further, gracefully shifted the topic of conversation.

“Very well, it appears this is a secret you cannot disclose, and that is perfectly understandable,” Yao Xiangzi conceded.

“However, young lass, these poison pills – were they all refined by your own hand?

Though the highest among them are merely third-tier, the skill evident in their creation is remarkably high.

As medicine and poison intrinsically share a common lineage, might we perhaps exchange some insights?”

He then produced the poison pills crafted by Yan Yun, awaiting her response.

After a moment of thoughtful consideration, Yan Yun offered her reply.

“Senior, this junior would be most delighted to exchange insights on alchemy with you,” Yan Yun responded.

“However, the present moment is not conducive.

Might we defer our exchange until after the Immortal Dao Assembly concludes?”

Yao Xiangzi pondered her words briefly before assenting.

“Excellent,” Yao Xiangzi declared. “We shall indeed converse after the Immortal Dao Assembly.

I sincerely hope, young lass, that you manage to advance to the final round.”

Yan Yun nodded in acknowledgment, then gracefully rejoined Yunyan’s side.

“Esteemed Elders,” Yan Yun addressed Yunyan and the others, “my mother, Yao’er, and I shall take our leave for now.

We intend to explore other areas.”

Yunyan, in turn, promptly offered a cautionary reminder.

“Do not wander too far afield,” he advised. “As you are aware, certain individuals are keeping a close watch on your movements.”

Yan Yun cast a fleeting glance in a particular direction, recalling that Yan Lingyun had already cautioned her about this.

“Understood,” Yan Yun replied. “Mother, Yao’er, let us depart.”

With that, the trio exited the grand trading hall.

****

“Ugh! It was utterly stifling in there,” Jiang Yao exclaimed, exhaling a long breath of relief the moment they stepped outside, Su Muyu echoing her sentiment.

“Not a single cultivator had a cultivation base below the Divine Soul Realm.”

“What is there to fear?” Yan Yun retorted, a hint of amusement in her voice. “They won’t devour us.”

As they continued their stroll, however, Yan Yun and her companions abruptly halted, their path obstructed by a cluster of individuals standing directly before them.

Clad in the distinctive robes of various sects, this group stood in a formidable array, their menacing presence blocking the trio’s essential path.

Their sudden appearance caused Yan Yun and her companions to involuntarily narrow their eyes, a flicker of suspicion in their gazes.

“You are that fiend, Yan Yun, are you not?” a woman in verdant robes spat, her face contorted in a frigid, severe expression as she addressed Yan Yun.

“Hmph, truly befitting the successor of the Heavenly Poison Maiden!

A man who can transform himself into a woman through poison cultivation techniques—such a heretical method!

And yet, you dare to disseminate it, ensnaring and harming countless others.

Do you comprehend how many lives have been extinguished by your nefarious poison cultivation technique?”

It was immediately apparent that this hostile assembly consisted of disciples from the Azure Nether Sect and various other rival factions.

Yan Yun, however, paid them no heed whatsoever.

With a graceful ascent, she directly soared into the sky, effortlessly bypassing them by flying over their heads.

Jiang Yao and Su Muyu swiftly followed suit, utterly disregarding their presence.

“You… you demoness! You dare to show such contempt for me?” the green-clad woman shrieked, her voice laced with venom.

“You would be wise to abstain from this Immortal Dao Assembly, for even if we cannot slay you, we shall most certainly ensure your profound regret!”

Listening to their incessant clamor, Yan Yun simply rolled her eyes, a gesture of profound exasperation.

‘How utterly tiresome,’ she mused. ‘If they truly possess the capability, they should demonstrate their prowess during the elimination rounds.

To come here merely to posture and provoke, behaving like mere schoolchildren, is quite pathetic.’

Jiang Yao and Su Muyu, witnessing the exchange, found themselves equally speechless.

“Nevertheless, you must remain vigilant,” Jiang Yao cautioned, a note of seriousness in her voice.

“Among this particular group, there are quite a number of cultivators in the Spirit Transformation Realm.”

Yan Yun, however, dismissed the warning entirely, treating it with utter nonchalance.

After spending some time exploring other areas, the trio eventually made their way to the residential quarter specifically allocated by the Immortal Alliance for Yunhua Sect disciples.

As the preeminent sect in Jiang Country, such preferential treatment was, of course, to be expected.

The area comprised numerous individual pavilions, evidently constructed anew for the occasion.

It was clear that these structures would either be relocated or dismantled entirely once the assembly concluded.

After exchanging a brief greeting with Su Muyu, Yan Yun and Jiang Yao proceeded into one of the designated pavilions.

No sooner had they stepped inside than Yan Yun retrieved both of their puppets.

“Hold on, hold on,” Yan Yun purred, a mischievous glint in her eye as she reached out to gingerly touch Jiang Yao’s puppet.

“Let me conduct a thorough inspection and ascertain just how lifelike it truly is.”

“Ugh… how utterly disgusting!” Jiang Yao exclaimed, her face contorted in revulsion.

“Just look at your lecherous demeanor!

A mere puppet is enough to excite you so?

Has this old lady not been satisfying enough for you normally?”

Yan Yun immediately retorted with a playful grin.

“How could they possibly be the same?” Yan Yun countered, shaking her head.

“That’s precisely why you women fail to comprehend the heart of a two-dimensional otaku.”

With that, she promptly unlatched a slot on the puppet’s back, inserted a generous handful of luminous stones, and then secured the cover.

Once the charging was complete, Yan Yun immediately bit her finger, squeezing a single drop of blood from the wound and pressing it onto the puppet’s brow.

This ritual was to establish the puppet’s recognition of its master.

Upon the completion of the master recognition ritual, Yan Yun swiftly formed a hand seal.

The puppet, previously inert and lifeless, instantly sprang to vibrant animation.

“Henceforth, you shall be designated as Jiang Yao Unit Two,” Yan Yun declared to the puppet with an authoritative tone.

“You shall execute every command I issue.”

The puppet immediately responded, dropping to one knee before Yan Yun in a gesture of subservience.

“Yes, Master,” the puppet intoned, its voice surprisingly human. “Jiang Yao Unit Two stands ever ready to receive your commands.”

The puppet’s ability to articulate with a human voice only served to heighten Yan Yun’s excitement.

Jiang Yao, however, standing nearby, bristled with indignation.

“You scoundrel!” Jiang Yao fumed, her voice bristling with indignation.

“You harbor nothing but ill intentions!

‘Jiang Yao Unit Two,’ indeed!

I have no doubt you’ll engage in all manner of nefarious deeds when I’m not present to oversee you.”

Having vented her frustrations, she, too, produced a puppet identical to Yan Yun’s, proceeding to replicate the same ritual.

“Henceforth, you shall be named Yan Yun,” she declared, pointing at the puppet.

“Now, kneel!”

The puppet immediately dropped to both knees.

At this sight, Yan Yun could only roll her eyes in exasperation.

“Wife, surely this is inappropriate,” Yan Yun protested, a hint of whine in her voice.

“How can you possibly name a puppet after me?”

“Why not?” Jiang Yao retorted, her tone still sharp with displeasure.

“I am perfectly content to do so!

You brought this upon yourself by disgusting me first.”